Prime Highlights
- Claire Hamilton received the Ready for Life Champion Award for creating practical learning opportunities for interior design students.
- Her teaching model combines classroom education with real-world projects, industry engagement and professional preparation.
Key Facts
- Claire Hamilton is an associate professor in the Interior Design program at The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Construction and Design.
- Students gain hands-on experience through projects, industry partnerships, portfolio courses and professional organization activities.
Background
Claire Hamilton, an associate professor in the Interior Design program at The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Construction and Design, snagged the Ready for Life Champion Award. The award celebrates her work providing students with practical learning opportunities that prep them for careers in design.
She got the award by blending hands-on projects and industry-focused activities into her classes. It helps students take what they learned in class and use it in real-life cases, and it also supports their growth with key skills, such as problem-solving and technology abilities. Her lessons feature Designer Showhouse and Spec Home projects. Through these, the students can manage just about everything, from planning all the way to setup, kind of. These efforts show the daily job responsibilities clearly, but they also encourage teamwork along with a flexible way of thinking.
Alongside the hands-on work, Hamilton tosses in personality tests and brings in industry pros. The guests give students insider knowledge about the field. She also teaches Portfolio Development and Portfolio Presentation courses, helping students strengthen their professional portfolios before entering the workforce.
As faculty adviser for the American Society of Interior Designers student organization, Hamilton supports activities such as the annual Interior Design Product Show and fundraising efforts that help students participate in professional competitions.
She has also expanded experiential learning through partnerships with organizations including Habitat for Humanity, the Moffitt Health Center, the Marine Research Center and the University Writing Center.
School of Construction and Design Director Dr. Emre Bayraktar said Hamilton’s work has helped students gain both academic knowledge and practical experience. He noted that her focus on industry engagement and mentorship has created opportunities that prepare graduates to contribute effectively from the start of their careers.
